Unraveling the Dimensions: How big is Alabama?

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Alabama Overview

How Big is Alabama?

Alabama ranks as the 30th largest state in the U.S., covering about 52,420 square miles (135,767 square kilometers). This includes everything from mountains up north to coastal plains down south. About 3.2% of Alabama is water, giving it the second-largest waterway system in the country.

Here's how Alabama stacks up against other states:

State	Relative Size
Alaska	12.69 times bigger
Rhode Island	33.93 times smaller
Louisiana	A tad smaller
Arkansas	A smidge bigger

Population Density

Even with all that space, Alabama isn't packed with people. The population density is pretty low, which means more room to breathe and enjoy the scenery. This makes Alabama a great spot for those who want a mix of city life and nature.

Thinking about moving to Alabama? You'll find plenty of space and a friendly vibe. The lower population density means you get the best of both worlds: urban perks and natural beauty.

Curious about the biggest cities and their growth? Check out our section on largest cities in Alabama.

Knowing the size and population of Alabama helps you see what makes this state special. Whether you're drawn to its vast landscapes or lively communities, Alabama has something unique to offer.

Cities in Alabama

Alabama's got a mix of old-school charm and new-age vibes. Let's take a look at the biggest cities and the one that's growing the fastest.

Largest Cities

Alabama's got 583 cities, each adding its own flavor to the state. Here are the top 10 by population:

City	Population (2024)
Huntsville	228,616
Birmingham	200,733
Montgomery	198,665
Mobile	187,041
Tuscaloosa	102,819
Hoover	85,768
Auburn	76,143
Dothan	71,072
Madison	57,389
Decatur	55,683

Figures courtesy of World Population Review

Huntsville: The biggest city in Alabama, Huntsville is all about high-tech and space stuff.
Birmingham: The second-largest, Birmingham is a hub for industry and banking.
Montgomery: The capital, Montgomery, is steeped in history and culture.
Mobile: Sitting on the Gulf Coast, Mobile is a major port city.
Tuscaloosa: Home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa is a lively college town.

Want to know more? Check out our articles on what to do in Montgomery Alabama and what time zone is Huntsville Alabama.

Fastest Growing City

Triana is the fastest-growing city in Alabama over the past four years. Since 2020, Triana's been growing at a whopping 10.88% per year (World Population Review). Here's why:

Jobs Galore: Triana's got plenty of job opportunities, pulling in new folks.
Great Living: The city offers a high quality of life with top-notch schools and amenities.
Close to Huntsville: Being near Huntsville, Triana benefits from the economic boom of Alabama's largest city.

For more on Alabama's growth, check out our articles on alabama teacher jobs and alabama alternative teacher certification.

Alabama's cities are a mix of the old and the new, each playing a part in the state's future. Whether it's Huntsville's tech scene or Triana's rapid growth, there's something for everyone.

Economic Boom in Alabama

Big Money Moves

Alabama's been on a roll lately, raking in some serious cash. In 2022, the state hit a jackpot with $10.1 billion in new investments, smashing the old record of $8.7 billion from 2018 (Made in Alabama). This cash flow is spread across manufacturing, tech, and infrastructure, showing off Alabama's diverse and booming economy.

Year	Capital Investment (Billion)
2018	8.7
2022	10.1

Jobs Galore

All this money isn't just sitting around; it's creating jobs. In 2022, new projects promised 13,078 jobs, a big jump from 10,190 in 2021 (Made in Alabama). Most of these gigs are in manufacturing, healthcare, and IT, giving folks in Alabama plenty of options.

Year	Job Commitments
2021	10,190
2022	13,078

If you're job hunting, whether it's teaching or something else, check out Alabama teacher jobs and Alabama teacher certification renewal for some useful info.

Alabama's record-breaking investments and job creation show the state's dedication to boosting the economy and making life better for everyone. For more cool stuff about Alabama, see what to do in Montgomery Alabama and what county is Enterprise Alabama in.

Alabama's Infrastructure: A Closer Look

Alabama's infrastructure is the backbone of its progress. The state has poured resources into its roads, bridges, wastewater systems, and the Port of Mobile, making sure everything runs smoothly for residents and businesses alike.

Road Network

Alabama's got roads for days—102,200 miles of them, to be exact. From 2009 to 2018, vehicle travel jumped by 14%. Most of this driving happens on 11,000 miles of federal and state highways, all kept in shape by the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Road Network	Mileage
Public Roads	102,200 miles
Federal and State Highways	11,000 miles

Bridges Condition

Alabama's got nearly 16,000 bridges. According to the ASCE Infrastructure Report Card, 41.5% of these bridges are in good shape, 54.7% are fair, and 3.8% are in poor condition. Plus, over 2,200 bridges can't carry their legal weight limit, which messes with the state's freight movement.

Condition	Percentage
Good	41.5%
Fair	54.7%
Poor	3.8%

Wastewater Systems

Alabama's wastewater setup needs some serious cash—about $3.1 billion over the next 15 years. Most of this money (60%) is for collection systems, while the rest (40%) is for treatment systems. At least half of these systems need to grow to keep things flowing smoothly (ASCE Infrastructure Report Card).

Wastewater System Needs	Percentage
Collection Systems	60%
Treatment Systems	40%

Port of Mobile

The Port of Mobile is Alabama's pride and joy on the Gulf of Mexico. Even though Alabama's coastline is short, the Port of Mobile ranks as the 11th largest in the U.S. by volume. It can handle 650,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) each year (ASCE Infrastructure Report Card).

For more on Alabama's infrastructure and other cool stuff, check out our articles on how far is Alabama from Ohio, what county is Enterprise Alabama in, and what to do in Montgomery Alabama.